Sunderland leaders warn they 'will not hesitate' to act on bars and restaurants flouting Covid rules

Sunderland City Council has written to bosses across Wearside following the sharp rise in cases of Covid-19, which has led to it being put on Public Health England’s watchlist for Enhanced Support – with the letter admitting one of the biggest challenges will be keeping customers’ behaviour in check.

It urges them to be strict in upholding secure practices, with the council warning the future of their “ability to operate” depends on them following Covid-secure practices, with spot checks and monitoring to be carried out.

It says hospitality venues, particularly licensed premises, are under additional scrutiny due to a number of positive cases being traced to visits and reports of failures to follow the rules – a number have closed their doors for deep cleaning after customers or staff were found to have the virus.

The letter also reiterates the message it is the last chance to make a difference to avoid a local lockdown, with a number of actions already taken to reduce the risk to the vulnerable, including halting hospital visits and all but essential visits to care homes.

It comes ahead of the ‘Rule of Six’ law, which will come in on Monday, September 14, banning gatherings of more than six people, indoors and out, with “robust Test and Trace” efforts to help identify anyone who needs to self-isolate.

The letter, signed by director of public health for Sunderland Gillian Gibson and executive director of neighbourhoods Fiona Brown, tells venues: “Should there be evidence of a failure to manage the risk, we will not hesitate to use appropriate powers in protecting public and staff health and this may include issuing a direction under the Health Protection Coronavirus Restrictions, which may restrict or prohibit your business.

"We appreciate that the behaviour of customers plays a significant role in your success and we will continue also to work to remind citizens of their responsibilities.

"We urge you to do everything necessary to help prevent our city succumbing to further outbreaks and the possibility of further restrictions being imposed.”

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